Hong Kong slams US report, cites benefits America enjoys in ties with city

The Hong Kong government has lashed out at a US legislative committee for its report that urged for more sanctions on the city, as it pointed to the “substantial” commercial interests and economic benefits America had in its ties with the financial hub.

A government spokesman on Wednesday condemned the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission for its annual report released the day before, criticising its “groundless attacks, slanders and smears” against various aspects of the city’s political and business environment.

“The HKSAR Government strongly disapproves of and firmly rejects the USCC’s wanton manoeuvre with politics prevailing over [the city’s] law-based administration and interference in the affairs of the HKSAR in the so-called report,” the spokesman said.

The annual report by the US government committee had called for the country to pass a law to impose greater scrutiny of Hong Kong’s US-dollar backed international transactions and exports. It also suggested turning an existing executive order targeting the city into law to address “Beijing’s dismantling of Hong Kong’s autonomy and the erosion of fundamental freedoms”.

In response, the Hong Kong government spokesman on Wednesday demanded the US “discern facts from fallacies”, respect international law and norms, and stop interfering with China’s internal affairs in the city.

Besides defending the city’s situation, the spokesman also highlighted the strong business and trade ties with America that amounted to billions of US dollars.